Unwrapping

In recent days we’ve been getting a better impression of how the south end of our station will look when the new build is complete.

The scaffolding removal from most of the structure has unwrapped the view and better shown the handsome brickwork and design features previously hidden.

The floor has been screeded following the laying of underfloor heating.

First fix of mechanical and electrical works is underway.

 

The new services room created by combining the former disabled toilet and adjacent volunteers shower, our IT/Telecom volunteer team have commenced the installation of a large amount of impressive hardware.

On Wednesday Western Power Distribution will be transferring us on to the new power supply, through the cables laid by the contractor, and terminating the existing inadequate supply. For a few hours early in the morning we will be without power while this is carried out, but effort is being made to minimise the disruption by close liaison between our stationmaster (handily qualified in HV power) and the contractors.

It has been nice to hear admiring comments from visitors and passengers alike as the oh-so long awaited new facility is getting nearer to handover.

Inevitably our much loved station has been swathed in builders supplies and waste, and we’ve had to coax our existing facilities into keeping going for just a few weeks and months more, patching up and making do as best we can.

 

 

 

 

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Drinks on the terrace?

The extension to the terrace which allows the doubling of the area available to external seating has commenced.

A series of small piles are being driven in the small segment of land that became available when the site was cleared and graded. This area had not previously been identified as being usable but some clever design work has allowed this to be utilised.

The chimneys are completed and really look the part.

The installation of the windows and doors has commenced and it is readily apparent that this will put some soul into the building.

windows, adding spirit and style

Who normally goes about taking pictures of windows? Beautiful, custom-built, hardwood framed, to authentic Great Western design?

Well everyone can now. Even through the scaffolding poles they look wonderful.

They have been lovingly handmade in the workshops of Kidderminster based joinery experts C R Hobby & Son, established over 45 years. In their own words, as they are each carefully fitted, they are ‘adding spirit and style’ to the appearance of our long-awaited new-build.

Today there was sunshine for much of the day, greatly welcomed after the last few days!

 

Putting soul into our new build

The chimneys are completed and really look the part. The installation of the windows and doors has commenced and it is readily apparent that this will put some soul into the building.

The large amount of cast iron guttering required was supplied in natural finish but this has been painted up in a specially installed heated container and is ready for fitting.

The flat roof is just waiting for the weather to improve as the zinc covering requires a rising temperature above 7.5 degrees C to shape around the formers without tearing. The subcontractors are forming as much off site as possible in heated workshops to speed up the installation.

The roofing slates are due for delivery on 8th March with the main pitch roof work starting on the 12th.  We are nearing a time where the scaffolding will be dismantled to reveal the true character of the building and early indications are that it will be magnificent.

In the services room located in the adjacent listed building, all the underground ducts are in along with various cables. The exterior approach has been 75% reinstated and the only remaining task is installing a concrete floor and internal block wall which will be carried out by station volunteers.